The Kabaka officially opening the year 2026.
Ssaabasajja Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has expressed his appreciation and made a public appearance at the CBS Nkuuka Festival 2025. The Monarch was accompanied by the Nnaabagereka, Sylvia Nagginda, Omumbejja Katrina Ssangalyambogo and Omulangira Richard Ssemakookiro.
The Kabaka addressed the people of Buganda, first thanking them for the warm welcome accorded to him at the Lubiri Palace in Mengo. He later commended all those who support the CBS Nkuuka Festival and encouraged them to continue backing it alongside other programmes aimed at developing the people of Buganda.
“I greet you all. We thank everyone who supports the CBS Nkuuka Festival. Continue supporting Nkuuka and other programmes that promote the development of the Kingdom. These initiatives are among the symbols that strengthen the undying spirit of Buganda. We thank the sponsors, the competitors, and we celebrate the Omuzira mu Bazira and everyone who took part in this year’s competitions,” Kabaka Mutebi II said.
The Kabaka further urged the people of Buganda to preserve their cultural values and the Luganda language, which he said promoted unity and dignity.
“When the Europeans first came to Buganda, they highly praised our cultural values and traditions, our clan leadership system and our language. All these reflect dignity. We must therefore preserve them and teach them to our children, because they are the foundation of unity and dignity,” the Kabaka added.
Owek. Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga (left), Ssaabasajja Kabaka (centre) and the Nnaabagereka (right).
The Kabaka concluded his message by encouraging the people of Buganda to remain united, courageous and hopeful, especially during challenging times.
“We continue to urge you to remain steadfast in all circumstances and to remember that unity is our strength. Do not lose hope; the difficult situation we are currently facing will change if we all remain focused. Thank you very much,” Kabaka Mutebi II said.
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, in his remarks, first extended greetings to the Kabaka, the Royal Household and the people of Buganda both at home and abroad, and prayed for God to grant the Monarch good health.
Katikkiro informed the Kabaka that the people of Buganda continue to listen attentively to messages from the Palace.
“Ssaabasajja, the people of Buganda you see here are attentive to your guidance. In 2025, they demonstrated their commitment by responding positively to your messages. The young people here have rejected criminal activities because you discouraged them from engaging in such acts. Many have also returned to farming, especially coffee growing, because they know that coffee does not deceive,” Katikkiro Mayiga said.
The Kabaka presenting a land title to the winner.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Katikkiro encouraged the people of Buganda to remain loyal to their King, to follow all guidance from the Palace and to act on the commitments they make.
“In 2026, we shall tour Buganda as part of efforts to raise standards in all areas of life—farming, trade, household welfare, healthcare—and to guide the youth, while also assessing the conditions in which our people live,” Owek. Mayiga said.
The 2025 CBS Nkuuka Festival, held under the theme ‘Enkuuka Bwaguuga’, featured the final competitions of the Buganda cultural contests. The overall winner was Basajjamivule Yowana, a traditional dancer from Kyaddondo County, who was awarded a land title by the Kabaka as Omuzira mu Bazira 2025. Busuulwa Joseph emerged winner in the Diaspora category and also received prizes.
Several musicians entertained the Kabaka’s subjects who attended the CBS Nkuuka 2025 event. The gathering included Princes and Princesses, Chiefs at various levels, Senior Clan Leaders, politicians, religious leaders, and people of Buganda from across the region and beyond.